Mesa, Pilots Reach Accord
Even as Mesa Air Group, Inc. prepares to lay off numerous employees in a downsizing that reflects the loss of its Delta Connection contract with Freedom, it was able to reach a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) after only 10 months of negotiations. This agreement, if ratified, will resolve many of the scheduling-related issues between Mesa and the pilot group, as well as provide tangible benefits to both parties and code share partners, investors and passengers, said ALPA representatives.
The Mesa pilots' contract became amendable in September 2007. Facing an industry in crisis with a slowing economy and skyrocketing fuel prices, company management and the pilot leadership decided to commence an expedited negotiation process. This unconventional bargaining method resulted in a short-term agreement with scheduling and quality of life improvements, including more days off, a true definition of scheduled or actual, and implementation of a Preferential Bidding System (PBS) that will allow the pilots to have more control over their schedules.
The pilot leadership and the Negotiating Committee will soon begin a series of road shows to inform the pilot group of the contents of the agreement and address any pilot questions. The vote is expected to open in mid-November. Results of the pilot vote are expected to be announced in late November.
"This contract represents a new beginning for our pilots and our company," said Captain Kevin Wilson, chairman of the ALPA unit at Mesa. "To be a successful, viable company in today's challenging marketplace, we recognized that we must put aside our differences and develop real-world solutions benefiting both the pilots and the company. We are pleased with management's willingness to engage with us in earnest discussions throughout the negotiations process, and we hope that this spirit of cooperation continues so that we can focus on building a better airline together."

Trans States Pilots Want Contract
Trans States Airlines pilots, represented by the ALPA, have yet to reach an agreement after two and a half years of bargaining and are urging management to come to the negotiating table this week and earnestly work toward finalizing a contract that “recognizes the pilots' professionalism and dedication to the financially successful airline.” Pilots are still stinging from the creation of GoJet by Trans States Holdings. TSA is a code share partner for United Airlines, American Airlines and US Airways.
They expressed frustration at the lack of progress and “management's unwillingness to wholeheartedly engage in the process mediated by the National Mediation Board.” Direct negotiations began in February 2006 and mediated negotiations began a year later with all the major sections of the contract, including compensation, remaining unresolved.
“TSA pilots have endured a substandard contract for more than eight years, with pay seven percent to 23 percent below that of other pilots at airlines of comparable size providing comparable service,” said Capt. Jason Ruszin, chairman of the TSA unit of ALPA. “This substandard pay is particularly insulting because Trans States is among the most profitable airlines and is the fifth largest in the regional industry. Many pilots at TSA are side-stepping to better-paying airlines or leaving the industry altogether. Our substandard contract, pay, and work rules have ruined morale and are driving good pilots elsewhere.
“It is abundantly clear to pilots that TSA management is deliberately dragging out negotiations. TSA management repeatedly makes proposals that take away current benefits even though Trans States remains a profitable airline,” Ruszin continued. "When management makes proposals that eliminate previously-agreed-to language or makes counterproposals in which the only change is the date on the proposal, we question whether TSA is making a good-faith attempt at bargaining.”
While equal pay for equal work is a top contract goal, it is expected that another contentious section of the contract will be job security and scope protections brought on by the creation of GoJet, which pilots see as Trans States lack of loyalty to employees and a threat to pilot jobs. "We are committed to providing TSA with enough flexibility to compete in today's industry, but we refuse to be slaves to endless whipsawing," said Ruszin.
In response to TSA's delay tactics, TSA pilots are moving forward with a strategic initiative designed to strengthen their preparedness in the event the two parties cannot come to an agreement. "We are prepared to do whatever it takes, consistent with the law, to achieve our contract goals," said Ruszin.